2023 Honda ZR-V Arrives In Europe As The Hybrid Twin Of The US-Spec HR-V

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Honda expanded its European SUV range with the addition of the ZR-V, filling the gap between the EU-spec HR-V and the larger CR-V. The model, which has already been on sale in Japan, Australia, and China, is a twin to the North American HR-V. However, European buyers can only get it with the e:HEV self-charging hybrid powertrain.

From the outside, the EU-spec ZR-V looks very similar to the US-spec HR-V, with small differences on the bumpers and headlights. Besides the white-painted model which features slim air intakes and a chrome-infused grille, Honda also showed a blue-painted variant with a sportier bumper, honeycomb grille, and black alloy wheels. Despite its electrified nature, the ZR-V comes fitted with dual exhaust pipes on the rear bumper.

More: 2023 Honda CR-V Makes European Debut Including e:PHEV Option With 51-Mile Range

The interior adopts the familiar style of the entire Honda range, as with ZR-V models for other markets. The free-standing 9-inch infotainment touchscreen is combined with a smaller digital instrument cluster, while there are multiple charging ports for your devices.

Honda designers prioritized practicality, adding load partition, retractable parcel cover, and underfloor storage on the cargo area which can grow up to 1,291 lt (45.6 cubic feet) with the rear bench folded. Interestingly, this number comes short of the maximum capacity of 1,305 lt (46.1 cubic feet) found in the smaller EU-spec HR-V.

The 2023 Honda ZR-V is sharing its underpinnings with the Civic, which explains the familiarity of the hybrid powertrain. The system combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that is running in the Atkinson cycle, with two electric motors. In the Civic e:HEV, the combined power output is 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) of torque, transmitted to the front axle.

Honda claims that the driving dynamics of the ZR-V are similar to those of sports hatchbacks, thanks to the steering feedback and the setup of the multi-link rear suspension.

The Honda ZR-V will be available in Europe from autumn 2023. Pricing will be announced at a later date, although chances are it will be more expensive than both the smaller HR-V and the mechanically-related but low-slung Civic hatchback.